Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford. Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Rams provide injury update for Matthew Stafford before Week 1

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated Sep 1, 2025 11:34 PM ET

The Los Angeles Rams would not have much hope for the 2025 season without veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford.

Sure, he's 37 and certainly on the "back nine" of his NFL career. Stafford is a two-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champ, though. He also (still) has one of the best arms in the NFL.

Oh, and there's also the fact that his backup is Jimmy Garoppolo, who no longer has "it" and has played in only eight games combined over the last two seasons.

The good news for the Rams as they head into their Week 1 contest with the Houston Texans is that Stafford will be good to go for this game as he deals with a back injury.

Head coach Sean McVay said as much on Monday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Rams HC Sean McVay told reporters that QB Matthew Stafford, who missed much of camp with a back injury, is expected to start Sunday’s opener against the Texans. pic.twitter.com/PJOaZTepPn
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 1, 2025

Stafford has been taking it slow during the preseason as he tries to get as comfortable as he can with the back problem.

It's something he said earlier in fall camp that "crept up" on him, so he was thankful that McVay and the Rams' staff allowed him to ease back into things.

"Backs are sometimes interesting things," Stafford had said. "It's not cut and dry what's what and how you're going to feel, so I really appreciate our team and our head coach and everybody taking a day-to-day approach with me doing everything they can to try and help me out."

Stafford is heading into his 17th NFL season as the former No. 1 pick of the 2009 NFL Draft.

Last season, he threw for 3,762 yards and 20 touchdowns compared to eight interceptions.

Andrew Kulha

Andrew Kulha is probably the only sports writer you know who also doubles as a mortician. Spooky! @KulhaSports

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